VMP Selects Michigan Manufacturing as Contractor

Michigan Manufacturing International (MMI; Stevensville, MD) was recently selected by Video Mount Products (VMP) to work on its FRM-series products. VMP is a local supplier of mounting applications for A/V, communications, and security.

The challenge was to find a suitable material for VMP’s product that was weather-resistant, paintable, durable, affordable, and readily available. The original specs called for galvannealed steel but that material is cost-prohibitive and difficult to source in China where MMI has a manufacturing plant. The MMI North China supply manager Jarbo Lu worked closely with regional sales representative Jenna Ferguson and the MMI home office team to fully understand VMP’s needs and goals, including the desired properties and qualities and the functionality and features of the final product.

Lu proposed using a specially treated carbon steel. This treatment allows paint to adhere to the galvanized steel while maintaining the weather and corrosion resistance desired for outside use. “I happened to know that carbon steel, after acid cleaning and phosphating, has the same matte finish as galvannealed steel. It also allows paint to adhere easily and is very rustproof,” he explained.

Keith Fulmer, the president at Video Mount Products, commented on the project. “MMI’s suggestion to use this new painting process, rather than the galvannealed steel material we originally specified, allowed the per-unit cost to come down.” Fulmer continued, saying, “MMI worked with us on the sample to make sure that we were happy with the product at every step of the way. All feedback regarding quality was listened to and addressed immediately. Communication between MMI and VMP was easy and thorough.”

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